This running shoe brand has been my go-to for five years—and it's on sale at REI through President's Day

When I started running, I struggled to find a pair of shoes that didn’t hurt my toes. My entire foot isn’t wide but the area around my toes is and that created issues. Then, I tried a pair of Altras after a friend recommended them and I’ve been wearing them ever since.

Altra shoes have a roomy toe box that allows your big toe to remain straight and the others to splay out. This not only helps to keep you stable on your feet, but stops your toes from squishing together which can cause blisters and ingrown toenails. I've found that while my fellow runners lost toenails after racing and long training periods, my toenails stay intact.

On sale

Altra Running Shoes: at REI.com

There's up to 40% off Altra running shoes at REI with 23 pairs reduced at the time of writing. Plus, members can use the code OUTFEB25 for an extra $20 off if the reduced pair is over $100.

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Most shoe brands vary in fit from one model to the next, and while not only Altra models fit the same, all Altra shoes maintain this this toe box shape.

I got my first pair of Altras to use for trail and obstacle course races and had a great experience with them. When I realized how much my feet loved them I wanted to wear them all the time. I now have a variety of models of their trail running and road running shoes.

I love the Altra Lone Peak (reduced at REI: men's | women's) for long-distance trail runs and races. The Altra Superior and King MT (which recently came back on the market) are my go-to for short and fast trail runs.

If I am doing indoor workouts or road roading I like the Escalante or Rivera (reduced at REI: men's | women's) models which are great for everyday use.

If I’m planning on doing a workout that combines roads and trails, and want a bit of extra cushioning, then I wear the Outroad (reduced at REI: men's | women's). I also own the Solstice and Provision (reduced at REI: men's) models and have worn the Torin (reduced at REI: men's | women's).

Most of the Altra models have a neutral color, but there are more exciting color combos if you want something that will stand out a bit more.

Altras are almost all zero-drop shoes, which means there's no difference between the height of the shoe at the heel and ball of the foot (the standard drop is around 10mm according to sports medicine specialists Pure Sports Medicine). This means they have a barefoot feel and require some time to adapt to—about three weeks according to Altra's fit and form section of its FAQs. However, once your feet and ankles get used to them they’re great, and your ankle strength and stability will probably improve too.

If you're unsure about wearing zero-drop shoes, buy from Altra website which offers a 30-day trial run. If you decide the shoes aren't right for you then you can return them for a refund.